I have a whole plot structure set up for this story that I've spent several hours on. It'll be a long one so yeah. Sorry for not updating lately, I've been busy reading some fanfics and focusing on my music composition.

I Promise will be updated in a short while. I will finish it, so no worries there, I hope you enjoy this. It really has more description over a short amount of time instead of little description over a large amount of time!

Ash Ketchum was now a man. He was twenty-three years old, and had no longer had a large interest in Pokèmon tournaments anymore. That didn't mean he lost interest in the Pokèmon themselves, but he stopped competing after he beat the Johto Battle Frontier.

He and Pikachu were walking along a beach in Slateport, Hoenn. The tropical climate of the Hoenn region was relaxing. It really was a change from Kanto's cooler climate. As Ash and Pikachu walked, Ash reminisced about his time traveling through the Hoenn region with his friends. He sighed as he kept telling himself that those times were over. He was no longer that thirteen year-old aspiring Pokèmon master anymore. He was an adult. He never made it big enough in a tournament to actually do anything with it, so he quit.

His friends were never incredibly disappointed, and understood his decision. He just figured it wouldn't take him anywhere. The traveling never stopped, but slowed as he had a job. His life wasn't his dream, but it was a good life for the most part. For one, he was finally able to cook for himself. That was always a plus.

Oh, what was he kidding, his life was a bit of a mess. He was always on edge because of the limited traveling. He couldn't really focus on anything anymore. Even with the occasional Pokèmon battle here an there, he didn't get the same thrills being all cooped up.

The only person who had actually shown any disappointment was his friend May. She loved to travel, and she was a Coordinator. In the beginning she was afraid and envied Pokèmon because her all of her dad's time was taken up by being a gym leader. It all changed when Ash came along. He never gave up on anything, and always was following his dream. They had a big argument about it, and hadn't seen each other since.

He was badly missing his friend. There was something about her that he liked about her and just her. He sighed. "Pikachu?" Pikachu looked up at his trainer as he walked through the dampened sand. Ash looked down at him. "It's nothing buddy. Just thinking about what happened with May." He said in a sad tone. Pikachu looked up at him, sympathy in his eyes. He jumped up to Ash's shoulder and nuzzeled his cheek against Ash's comfortingly. Ash gave a slight grin and chuckled a bit. "Aw, thank's Pikachu. You're a real pal." Ash concluded. Pikachu gave a content smile as he sat on Ash's shoulder.

As they continued to walk along the horizon turned an orange color as the sun set behind the ocean. The waves rolling up onto the sand and then gently rolling back down. The sound of crashing water filling the evening air. The slight humidity of a Hoenn oceanside in March. All too relaxing, but at the same time hitting Ash with nostalgia. The pain of losing his friend still fresh in his mind.

20 year old Ash, and 18 year old May leaned against the kitchen counter inside of the Ketchum residence in Pallet town. May gives him a cute, but shy smile which he doesn't return. May looked at him with a concerned expression. "What's up, Ash? You're acting all... I dunno, gloomy." Ash put his hand over his eyes and sighed. He looked up at her about to tell her something he hasn't told anyone else yet. "I have to stop with this 'Pokèmon Master' dream." He started. She stared at him shocked. "Wha' do ya mean, Ash?" This was very unexpected. "You know what I mean! I'm throwing in the towel." His face showed a serious expression. She knew he wasn't bullshitting now. "I haven't gotten anywhere with this. Yeah I've won the Battle Frontier a couple of times, but I haven't gotten any closer to my dream!" He sighed.

This wasn't Ash she was talking to. It couldn't be! The Ash she knew wouldn't do this. Her Ash would never give up on his goals. He just wouldn't! But here he was right now, in front of her doing just that. Did that mean everything he had shown her over the years like never giving up was all a lie? She didn't know how to respond to him. She didn't even know where to begin! Maybe she could talk him out of it. Maybe they could start traveling together again! Or do something!

"Ash, that's insane!" She scolded. "You have become such an amazing trainer! Such a great teacher... and you never, ever, ever give up!" She was pleading now. "Does this mean that I should give up on coordinating too?" She asked. He shook his head and gripped his hair in both of his hands. "No, May! You've made a career out of this! You are great at what you do! The thing is, this just isn't for me anymore, ok?" He looked her in the eyes. She was starting to form tears. "Listen May, I enjoy battling, and stuff, but this isn't for me! I'm not good enough to make a career out of it. Hell, I only had a fifth grade education!" He slightly raised his voice. May already had tears running down her cheek. "But Ash, you're really good at what you do! Really good! I'm not saying it wouldn't be a bad idea to go back to school, but you are still at the beginning!" What came next was a huge surprise to her. Ash had never lashed out on anyone. She had never actually her him yell... until now. "NO MAY, I CAN'T DO WHAT I DO ANYMORE. IT'S A WASTE OF MY TIME NOW! I'M AN ADULT!" He screamed.

His face turned immediatley into an apologetic one. "May, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that." She shook her head. "Well, you're being a jerk, Ash! Ya know what-" She grunted as she walked out of the kitchen. Ash put his head in his hands and sighed. "Damn!"

That was three years ago. May's face nothing but a bittersweet memory. He'd talked to Max and Norman, but no matter what, since then May wouldn't say a word to him.

Sorrow and regret. The two emotions he felt most. It had been an end to a friendship with one of the best friends he'd ever had. If he could he would go back and take everything back! He really hated himself for yelling at her. All of his built up anxiety and rage, and he had to take it out on her.

He shook his head. Ash and Pikachu were back in the hotel room that Ash had gotten when he arrived in the city a week prior to the current day.

He sighed yet again as he lie down on his bed. "She didn't do anything. She was being understanding, and being your friend, and you took that for granted" Ash lectured himself. Pikachu who was laying on the pillow opposite Ash, crawled up to Ash and curled up in to a ball and cuddled him. "And she would've thought this was cute." He smiled at his memory of her.

He flipped on the TV and it was on the news station. "In other news, coordinator May Maple from Petalburg City, Hoenn. Has quit the contest circuit after eight consecutive losses in a row." The reporter explained.

Ash's eyes opened wide. "May!"